The Adams County Board of Commissioners tackled a number of issues during Wednesday's meeting. With cheers and tears, the commissioners declared it Hispanic Heritage Month, approved recommendations that sought audio improvements for the historic courtroom and changes to a polling place before the November election.

Gagliardi, a Colombian immigrant, recalled the loss of her 8-year-old son to brain cancer last year to make a point about heritage.

"As I was thinking about my remarks today, I realized I did not want to share data or statistics," she said.

As she shared her story, she recalled a quote from One Hundred Years of Solitude that she interprets as "you are from the place you have buried your loved ones," she said. Through her experience, she said she learned her son's heritage was not all that important.

"We celebrate our heritage, but we should also celebrate the many opportunities we have to stand together to build a better community for all, regardless of the color of our skin and our background," Gagliardi continued.

Gagliardi's words touched the commissioners with Phiel calling it "one of the most poignant remarks" that he has heard during his time as commissioner.

The moment also moved Commissioner Jim Martin, who became emotional recalling his time as a realtor, where he often sold homes to Hispanic families.

"Those relationships continue today," he said.

The Latino Services Task Force posed for a photograph with the commissioners to commemorate the proclamation.

"When you sit down and take a group of people regardless of where they're from, they're always more alike than they are different," Qually said.

2. Commissioners OK sounds upgrades for historic courtroom

IT Director Phillip Walter announced his recommendation to the commissioners, his message echoing into the tall ceiling of the courtroom, built in 1859.

Walter asked for the commissioners to approve $16,000 in audio upgrades, an agreement with A/V Solutions, LLC, to improve sound quality in the commissioners' weekly meeting site.

The speakers in the ceiling of the room cause the sound to drop down and come out garbled at times. For certain frequency of voices, the microphones serve little purpose in amplifying a person's voice.

"The whole point of a public meeting is for us to be understood," Commissioner Marty Qually said.

When it comes to the price tag, which the county will fund, Phiel said that was necessary to maintain the structure's historical integrity. Phiel said the courtroom was a hospital for both factions during the Civil War.

"There’s no doubt that having to keep that integrity increased the expense somewhat," he said.

The repairs will not disrupt courtroom operations and will be complete within 45 days of Oct. 19, Phiel said.

"I’m really proud of the fact that we now have opened up this historic structure to the public, and they can see it and experience it on a regular basis," Phiel said.

The building on 104 Sanders Road in Carroll Valley will serve as the new borough polling place for the upcoming election.(Photo: Submitted)

3. Carroll Valley polling place changed

An Adams County resident sent a photo to Qually, and it sparked a change in where half of Carroll Valley voters will go in November.

The Children's Learning Center was deemed no longer sufficient as a polling site because of a skating rink being constructed outside.

"There's no access to that building for this upcoming election," said Monica Dutko, the director of the Adams County Elections and Voter Registration. Dutko and Qually traveled to Carroll Valley to scope out potential polling locations.

The second polling place in the borough, approved by the commissioners, will now be the former Liberty Mountain Sales Office Building, a former polling place as the Adams County National Bank at 104 Sanders Road.

"The site is going to be excellent," Qually said, citing plenty of parking and space for equipment.